Internet companies offer services at a discount for qualified customers

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there an web service within the Lewiston space that provides a senior low cost? There are retired of us on a set earnings that can’t afford the web and are dropping out on having the ability to communicate with household akin to FaceTime and different video chatting throughout these occasions. — Colette, no city

ANSWER: Contact the web firm that serves your space and simply ask them if they’ve a senior and/or low-income low cost. You may be requested to fill out a kind and present paperwork concerning your standing akin to proof of age and earnings. Web firms do have applications that may accommodate you. It is a good article with data that will apply to your scenario when you care to learn it: https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/internet-essentials .

Web firms tend to not promote these applications as a lot as they might, nevertheless it’s in your finest curiosity to all the time ask for reductions it doesn’t matter what service you want.

For instance, Spectrum affords “Spectrum Web Help” (SIA). You might be eligible in case you are 65 years of age or older and have a decrease mounted earnings. You may apply on-line at spectrum.com/sia or name this supplier at 1-877-923-5154 and they’re going to assist you to. Additionally, if your loved ones is eligible for the Nationwide College Lunch Program, you’re additionally eligible.

This program features a free web modem, high-speed web, no information caps, and no contracts. In case you are already a Spectrum buyer and assume you qualify for this particular program, name and converse to a buyer consultant. They’re very good, will clarify every little thing to you, and can assist you to get hold of web and cellphone companies to satisfy your wants.

This present day, nobody needs to be with out web service, no matter your earnings.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Relating to the letter about annoying telemarketing and rip-off calls, if I need to take a nap within the afternoon, I unplug my landline cellphone on the base. My answering machine picks up essential calls solely, thus chopping out robo calls. — No title, Lewiston

ANSWER: That’s what I do too, however I did discover out not too long ago that that is one other service your landline cellphone firm or web and cellphone service, akin to Spectrum can present. I can’t stress this subsequent sentence sufficient: “You need to ask!”

I urge all of you who’re bothered by these robo calls and scammers to contact your cellphone service supplier and allow them to know this is a matter. They’ve expertise in place to make your communication companies, and your lives, higher. Some suppliers provide this totally free whereas others cost a small price of just some .

Speak to your cellphone firm about call-blocking instruments they could have and test into apps you could obtain to your cellular gadget to dam undesirable calls.

For those who use robo call-blocking expertise already, it typically helps to let your cellphone firm know the numbers of those undesirable calls to allow them to proceed to assist block them.

I do know this appears like a number of work, however don’t quit!

In case you are a Consolidated Communications or a Spectrum buyer, both of those firms can undoubtedly assist you to get rid of the annoyance of those undesirable calls.

This column is for you, our readers. It’s to your questions and feedback. There are solely two guidelines: You have to write to the column and signal your title. We gained’t use it when you ask us to not. Please embody your cellphone quantity. Letters won’t be returned or answered by mail, and phone calls won’t be accepted. Your letters will seem as shortly as house permits. Handle them to Solar Spots, P.O. Field 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected].

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